“The number of undergraduates in the United States has increased by more than 30 percent since 2000, with two-year institutions absorbing the majority of new students. At the same time, outstanding student-loan debt has grown nationwide, reaching $1.4 trillion in 2018.” (more)

“It is estimated that a quarter of American adults currently have student loans to pay off, and most do not have the financial literacy to manage debt successfully. The average student in the Class of 2016 has $37,172 in student loan debt. Graduates from the University of Missouri have an average debt of $21,884.” (more)

“If you want a good job, getting a bachelor’s degree is still your best bet. More than half of good jobs — 56 percent — are held by those who have at least a four-year college degree, a number that’s grown by 101 percent in the past 25 years.” (more)

“Most parents and students are in the dark about how much college costs. That’s the main takeaway from the latest data in an ongoing study by the National Center for Education Statistics, part of the Education Department’s research division.” (more)

“This year millions of students entering college are being forced to take a remedial course in math or English – sometimes both – because they scored too low on standardized entrance or placement exams. Remedial courses are intended to help students with weak academic backgrounds get up to speed so they can succeed in credit-bearing courses and earn a degree. An academic hurdle that students deemed not “college ready” must clear, remedial courses have to be completed before these students can enroll in an institution’s required “gateway” courses in those subjects; they will not count toward graduation, but nonetheless students will have to pay tuition for them.” (more)

“Traditionally, universities looking to widen access have focused on secondary aged children preparing to take their next step in education. This is certainly an important moment in a young person’s life, but in many cases it may be too late to shape their decision-making. Universities are looking to solve problems which can become entrenched far earlier in a child’s education.” (more)